Asanko Gold Mines has rolled out a new initiative, the Community Agricultural Support Project, aimed at supporting both the immediate needs of farmers and the long-term development of agriculture within its catchment areas.

The programme, introduced as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility, seeks to improve farm productivity through the provision of high-quality inputs, enhanced technical capacity through training, and the promotion of climate-smart and sustainable farming practices.

Farming and mining remain the main economic activities in the Amansie Central, West, and South Districts. However, a growing challenge has emerged as many farmers now consider mining—particularly illegal mining—more lucrative than agriculture.

Speaking to the media at the launch, Dr Isaac Kwakye, Sustainability Manager at Asanko Gold Mines, noted that the project is designed to enhance the livelihoods of farmers in the company’s operational communities. As part of the intervention, Asanko distributed farm inputs, including weedicides, knapsack sprayers, and weather-resistant cassava sticks, to beneficiary farmers.

The initiative comes at a time when concerns are rising over the steady decline in farming activities in many mining communities, as farmers increasingly abandon their fields for illegal mining.

Officials from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture have expressed optimism that the programme will help reverse the trend by equipping farmers in the Amansie West and South Districts with the necessary resources and motivation to sustain their agricultural activities.

The Amansie South District Director of Agriculture, Millicent Aluah Ackah, lamented the growing disinterest in farming and welcomed Asanko Gold’s intervention as timely and impactful. She also highlighted challenges such as inadequate staffing and logistics, which hinder the effective delivery of agricultural services.

The District Crop Officer, Benjamin Benim, described the project as a “game-changer” that has the potential to revitalise farming in the area.

Beneficiary farmers commended Asanko Gold Mines for the support, expressing hope that the initiative will significantly boost agricultural productivity and restore interest in farming.

Source: Oyerepafmonline.com